Portland Family

The countless days since my last real blog have been beyond interesting and enjoyable. In fact, there is much life that I have had yet to update on this blog. So I will start at the beginning. The last weekend in June, I had the pleasure of spending a day with one of my favorite people in the world. Samy Waldie is one of the few who I can say has changed my life. When I saw the vans arrive outside the compound's gates, I quickly dropped my 2 inch thick knife and a half a watermelon, which I was cutting for Lyli to make himica, and ran outside to greet the team that I love with a passion. Steve was opening the gates and everyone was piling out of the two vans that Patrick and Deanna were driving. When suddenly, I saw Samy standing across the street. As both of us spread our arms wide, we ran and jumped on each other, nearly falling to the ground in our excitement. Our glorious reunion then continued throughout the rest of the night as I was reunited with the familiar team from last year's internship in Juarez. Samy and I got to catch up on our back porch that night after going to the corner store to get cokes and manzana lift, paid for by the lovely Kathy Legget. The McKuskers were as wonderful as ever. I got to hold Chase all through dinner and play with the boys that afternoon. I was thrilled to be asked by them to stay for the week at their house to help with the team and their household. Sadly, I had the commitment to work that week, and could not break it, as much as I wanted to. With the Porters gone, I can tell that the McKuskers and I will have the opportunity to be much closer, to the point perhaps of family. Deanna and I have connected on many levels and Patrick is one of the few men that I respect. And those boys...those boys...are the sweetest things to grace the earth. Shy and quiet Caleb, loud and mischievous Jaden, friendly and curious Kylan, and the gurgling and contented Chase.